Chapter Nine

The Elder's Advice

"Impa, it is good to see you again." Princess Zelda offered the Sheikah Elder a small curtsy, as was customary of a meeting between Royals. Not that the Elder was exactly a "Royal" in the traditional sense, but as far as they were concerned Impa was the highest ranking in the hierarchy of her people, and she had the experience to back it up. It was merely a matter of custom.

The Elder, in good graces, rose to her feet swiftly, and with a welcoming smile she bowed deeply in reply in the fashion of her own people, proper and disciplined. The formality did not last for long, however. Within seconds, Impa stepped down from the dais on which her seating-cushion rested, and reached out to Zelda's hand, gripping it firmly as she stood on her toes and patted the young woman's cheek.

As bold a woman Impa was, she barely stood taller than the Princess's elbows.

"Each year I see you, you grow to look more like your mother, dear Princess." There was a faint melancholy in those keen red eyes of hers; the late Queen and Elder had been close friends in life, and oftentimes remembering what had been lost would burden her heart. But, always being of good spirit, the sad expression in her eyes faded quickly, never once hindering the Elder's smile.

"Urbosa has said much the same," Zelda replied, squeezing Impa's hand before embracing her. It had been too long since she had last seen her. How many years, she wondered? Six, nearly seven years? It had been shortly after her mother died, Impa had traveled to Hyrule Castle for one last vigil before settling down in the village of her people as it's Elder at the unprecedented young age of fifty-three.

Naturally, being Sheikah, Impa didn't exactly look fifty-three then―fifty-nine now. Although there were faint traces of crow's feet wrinkles high on her cheeks that spoke of countless stresses and long nights spent scrupulously answering correspondences, analyzing reports, and most of all, worrying about those cursed Yiga traitors. That was a wound that would take generations to heal. It was deep and dividing to this day.

But that was a tale and a worry for another day, Zelda was just glad to be in company of her mother's former appointed protector.

"Urbosa," Impa tsk'd with fond recollection. "I always admired that woman. She possesses a true strength of heart many lack, even among the ranks of greater men of Hyrule. You must tell me how she is; it has been a long while since I last spoke with her."

"I would be happy to, Impa," Zelda replied. "Over dinner, perhaps? I can only hope we aren't to late, but I am starving after our long ride." Impa brightened, as if she had been quite expectant of that request, and quickly motioned to a young woman in the far corner that nervously smoothed the silk sash fastened around her waist.

"Run along, tell the cook to bring our supper up, and make sure there is plenty of tea to go around."

With a jump, the young woman scurried off as she had been ordered. She was a pretty girl, Zelda remarked, though quite unrecognizable. She assumed it must have been some relative of Impa's, given the near identical markings on her cheeks and forehead―ancient symbols of the Sheikah people painted on in dark blues and reds―as was customary of their people. It was common for family to take up roles under their Elder, and often they distinguished themselves by their markings.

Usually, that is. It was not so every time… the Shiekah had peculiar traditions.

"Now," Impa declared, catching Zelda's attention once more, guiding her further into the inviting warmth of the Elder's Pagoda. "Come in and make yourself comfortable Princess. We have much to discuss. And―" The Sheikah paused and looked over Zelda's shoulder, right at Link, having only just noticed him; not that she could be entirely blamed for that, he kept himself far off in a vigilant post near the door, silent blue eyes scanning the room for trouble.

The poor boy seemed almost alarmed by the Elder's sudden interest, she did have the gaze of a hawk at times, red eyes piercing.

"It seems in my excitement I have forgotten my second guest." In a blink, Impa returned to a regal demeanor, inclining her head to the young Hero, and dipped forward, gesturing for him to join them. Link stepped forward, his boots not making a sound on the wooden floor. He was treading very lightly, from unease, or distrust, the Princess couldn't exactly say.

Probably both.

Zelda tried to imagine herself in his shoes. He was a lone guard in charge of protecting the sole heir of Hyrule, and now they were amidst the clan of Sheikah that had many troubles in the past of turncoats and separatists, of which he had the personal experience of fighting… and killing. True, as he had told her earlier that day, he had passed through Kakariko his fair share of times, but it was surely a different experience then, being on his own and without the pressing burden of guardianship looming over his shoulder.

Through that perspective, Zelda decided that perhaps his apprehensions were not entirely unjustified…

But he didn't know Impa like Zelda did. Here in the Pagoda, she could never be safer than in Hyrule Castle itself, and Zelda could only hope Link would come to see it that way. He just needed time to adjust, and build new trust, that was all. She couldn't have her Knight acting jumpy and suspicious of every corner and shadow, it would drive her up the wall.

"Master Link," Impa continued, an air of familiarity washing over her expression. "It seems our paths were destined to cross again, though I sense you are not quite the same man I once met, those few years ago. You carry that Sword well, young Hero."

"Wait, you've met before?" Zelda was surprised.

"Yes, yes we have," the Sheikah replied, chuckling to herself. "Though he was here on much different terms last time we spoke, hm? He came as a huntsman and a laborer, and now he returns as the Chosen of the Golden Ones…. Times have changed."

"Elder Impa," Link said in greeting, dipping his head short a short bow. Impa replied likewise, the crook in her eyebrow noting Link's rather curt and impersonal way of speaking, but she quickly shook it off. Maybe he had once been a little more friendly before? Maybe he was not quite the same man Impa remembered?

"Come, sit with me, I should like to hear tales from the both of you," the Elder began, turning to lead her guests to where soft silk cushions awaited them around a short table of quaint but sturdy make.

Spread out across the white linen draped over the table were an assortment of fine dining ware that was in its own way modest in appearance, but every cup, saucer, and plated was expertly crafted and painted in beautiful pastels depicting the redbud trees of the village. Above them hung shaded lanterns, offering the same warm and soft light of the street lanterns strung from roof to roof outside. Candlelight danced against the ornate walls of the Pagoda.

It was an inviting place to sit and eat indeed. Far more so than the cold stone walls and stiff-backed chairs of the Castle Dining Hall. Not to mention that the person sitting at the head of the table was also far warmer and inviting company. The King rarely made for particularly pleasing conversation. At least not in recent years.

Dinner soon followed once they had taken their seats, along with mugs of steaming tea that tempted their noses with refreshing smells native only to Sheikah farms. Link took pensive sips from his drink at first, but he seemed to soon forget what little worries disturbed his mind and began quickly downed his tea in gulps, finding it quite to his liking before digging into the plate set in front of him.

Dinner kept Link well occupied amusingly well for the remainder of the night, as the hours went on. Impa left him unperturbed for the duration of their meal, and instead asked Zelda of life at the Castle, how she faired, and of course how her training had come along. To the latter of the three, Zelda answered with a bleak honesty. There was no sense in keeping secrets from Impa, she could see right through lies―polite lies or otherwise―with shocking accuracy.

Not that she wanted to keep such things from her anyways. In fact she had been eagerly anticipating the Sheikah's guidance ever since they left Zora's Domain.

"When I am not on the road or working in the lab," the Princess began when the table had been cleared of plates, and only refilled steaming teacups remained. "It sometimes feels all like I do is pray in the sanctuary. And I have nothing to show for it, despite my efforts." She thinned her lips. "I do not want to make excuses… but I can help but feel frustrated." Link gave a pause, sparing her a hidden glance. Apparently, he had been listening a little more intently than she had thought.

"It feels like I'm fighting an uphill battle blindfolded; I don't even know what to aim for. I sometimes wonder if I could make more progress out there in the wild, riding day in day out on horseback, than kneeling in the prayer pools behind the castle walls."

Impa considered her words deeply, a sinewy finger curled around her chin as she thought.

"I'm afraid effort put forward would be far better than no effort at all," the Elder said plainly. "But I am not unsympathetic, Princess, I know this has been a trial for you. You see, child, the Golden One's are never ones to give blessing to those who have not sacrificed and labored. The legends of our people make this very clear. Sacrifice and reward are not exclusive of one another, but intimately intertwined."

A gentle smile reached Impa's lips.

"That said, I am confident that someday soon they will look down on you and find compassion in your devotion. Purah has sent many a letter praising you for not only your dedication to the furtherment of regaining our forgotten technologies, but also your perseverance in unlocking the Sealing Powers passed on to you through the blood of your mother. You must not lose heart."

"But surely there is something more I can do?" Zelda wondered aloud.

"There may be," Impa declared thoughtfully. The Princess perked up. "Have you ever considered a pilgrimage?"

"A pilgrimage? Of what sort?"

"A pilgrimage," the Sheikah began, "to visit the three Springs of Hylia that are scattered along the north and south eastern reaches of Hyrule. The Spring of Power beneath the watch of Death Mountain in Akkala, the Spring of Wisdom atop Mount Lanayru, and the Spring of Courage in the heart of Faron."

Now that was an interesting thought!

"I've only ever read of them," Zelda said, leaning in with intrigue. "Do you think I might find something useful there? Answers? Guidance?"

"I'm not sure you will find anything at all, Princess," Impa answered, working her face thoughtfully as she lifted a small teacup to her mouth to sip. "But it is my belief those Springs are ancient ritual sites… or at least our limited research into them has inclined us to that end. I'm afraid we cant say with any certainty what the Springs were used for exactly, only that they are considered sanctified pools.

"As I'm sure you know, time is the enemy of knowledge… Things that should not be forgotten have been lost to us. Perhaps these Springs were once used as prayer pools, as same as the one within Hyrule Castle. Or perhaps they were merely built in honor of the goddesses. I am not sure we can ever say with certainty." That was a little disheartening to hear, but Impa never showed a hint of worry in her steady demeanor.

"But remember this, Princess, the goddesses work in mysterious ways. Maybe you will find some hope there. Our ancestors―your ancestors―were intelligent people, I am sure they would have had the foresight to leave behind guidance. It would be wise to try our every option."

Zelda thought long and hard about what the Elder had suggested, but any doubts about it that surfaced seemed insignificant by comparison. After all, she had spent countless years trying every trick and method she could think of to awaken the Sealing Powers locked away in her inheritance, and as of late she had very little in the way of hope. Maybe it was a long shot, but then maybe Impa was right. What if a pilgrimage was the answer?

Or at least the beginning of a pathway to an answer.

"I'll do it," Zelda finally declared, and Impa chuckled with a twinkle in her eyes. That was exactly what she had been hoping for. "Though I must admit, I don't know the way to the Springs… I've never been up Mount Lanayru, not that I can imagine it would be too difficult reach, same for Akkala. But Faron Forest..."

That place was crawling with Lizalfos and Bokoblins, last she heard.

"Lanayru must wait," Impa cautioned. "For it is the the Spring atop Lanayru that is dedicated to the goddess of Wisdom, child. It would be ill-practice to venture up the mountain before your seventeenth birthday: The day you are recognized as a full and wise adult in the eyes of Hylia. Akkala is simple enough to reach by horse, though it is a long ride.

"However," Impa continued, resting her chin on a closed fist to think. "Faron Forest is a dangerous place. Our researchers rarely plunge into that forest. That and the path is overgrown and difficult, you'll have to go by foot, no horse could traverse the train very quickly. And even if they tried, they're bound to injure a leg in such uneven terrain." Impa pondered a moment longer, but her ears shot up, when Link finally spoke his first words since he had begun eating.

"I know a safe way to the Spring," he offered plainly, and then creased his eyebrows when the Princess and Elder gave him anticipative looks, as if surprised he needed to say anything more.

"… I stumbled upon it once," he explained, "while working a job for a caravanner as a guide. He wanted to find, and then cut a path straight through Faron so that he could supply south Necluda without having to pass through the mountains. I can't say he was successful in founding a trail, but we did find the Spring… I'm confident can find that path again."

"I thought you said you didn't have many more interesting stories to tell," Zelda teased, "yet you are chocked-full of them. What other grand adventures have you been on?"

"He's probably just trying to be modest, child," the Elder whispered aside to the Princess, all the while hiding a grin. "Let the boy be, you'll embarrass him. Ahem―well Sir Link I think that fate has smiled on us once again, I am certain your experience with the land will prove most useful when the Princess embarks on her pilgrimage, just as you have guided her safely here."

Link nodded, and Impa was satisfied with his answer. Until she reclined back into a relaxed position at their table, marking a new beginning of a long line of questions sure to come.

"Well then, my loquacious friend," she said mischievously. "I have worn the Princess down with my questions, but now it is your turn to tell your tales, I have endless inquiries, we could be here all night. Would you like another cup of tea before we begin?"

Oh, how Zelda laughed when she saw the faint panic in the boy's eyes.


Kakariko took on a new spirit in the morning. Gone was the soft red torchlight of the lanterns above, and in its place came a warm sun that cast long shadows from the domed mountain peaks surrounding the village, and a cool morning breeze that fluttered the grass and leaves. Still as ever peaceful, but in a different sort of way.

It was there, leaning against a wooden gatepost, that Sir Link looked on from a distance at the Princess as she knelt before the small stone statue of Hylia at the center of town, performing her morning devotions with diligent prayer, a trickle of sweat beading down her temple despite the morning chill. She had been at it an hour already, but he hadn't moved an inch from his vantage of choosing, not even to sit or eat, no matter how much he probably wanted to.

Suddenly, however, Link felt something pull at the hem of his tunic. And when he looked down at what had caused such a fuss, he found two bright eyes staring back up at him. A child's eyes. The young girl must have been no older six or so―by his reckoning at least; Sheikah aged differently than Hylians―but she had a quiet and calm countenance about her, no doubt drawn to the strangers in her village with childish curiosities.

Link hadn't even heard her approach.

"Who's that?" she asked, glancing over at Zelda.

"The Princess," he replied.

"What's she doing?"

"Praying."

"Why?

Link blew air out of his nose softly.

"She's asking for guidance," he answered, gently, inclining his head to girl. "It's best we don't disturb her, we wouldn't want to be rude, would we?" The girl shook her head slowly, a glimmer of understanding washing over her face. But her stillness did not last long, as curious questions sure turned in her head.

"Why does she look sad?" she whispered.

Link gave a pause, unsure of how to explain it.

"She's very worried," the young Hylian replied, just barely loud enough for the girl to hear. "She cares very much for her friends and family, and she's scared she won't be able to protect them."

"Are they in danger?"

"No. Not yet. But they could be soon." The young girl pondered over his answer for a while, eyebrows curling with careful thought, her bright eyes dancing between Link and the Princess far off and a finger stroking her lips.

"But you have a sword, right?" the girl asked, craning her neck to get a better look over Link's shoulder. "If she's scared, you can help, can't you?" To that, the Hero didn't answer right away. Fears swirled in his mind. Could he really? Did he even stand a chance when the time came?

"Of course," Link said reassuringly. "Everything will turn out just fine." The young girl smiled, comforted by his answer, falling once again in a peaceful spell till a stray cucco divided her attention and she skipped off after it without a care in the world.

If only he could forget his worries that easily.


AN

Hello! I'm so glad to be back! Life has been wild the last few months, and I've only recently been able to write any! At any rate, I'll be going through reviews tonight and try to catch up on what you all have been thinking and posting! If there are any particular questions, I'll try my best to get back to you. Till then, adios!

-Bold